Underhill to lose Green Belt status?
4:58pm Wednesday 11th April 2001
The future of Barnet FC's Underhill Stadium was under intense scrutiny this week after proposals to remove Green Belt status from adjoining playing fields were revealed.
Such a move, if successful, could ultimately pave the way for the dramatic redevelopment of the site into a modern home for Barnet FC. However, critics fear the site could just as easily be redeveloped for housing if the club leaves.
Council leader Alan Williams said the move, revealed in the borough's draft Unitary Development Plan (UDP) or so-called 'planner's bible', would unlock development potential for Barnet FC.
"The council owns the freehold so nobody can do anything with it no matter what its designation is without us," he said. "There are no plans for housing of any sort. It's just not true. Our aspirations are to assist Barnet FC."
Critics of the Barnet Council proposal which would see a nearly 50-metre wide strip of Underhill playing fields de-designated have cried foul. The strip of land is currently empty but for a cricket pavilion and could theoretically give new access to the site from Barnet Lane. Mayor Ken Livingstone is likely to object, having already opposed plans to take away Underhill Stadium's Green Belt status.
Councillor Brian Coleman, GLA member for Barnet and Camden, accused the council of behaving in a "sly and underhand way" in trying to slip the proposal through. He said: "There was some defence for taking Underhill out of the Green Belt in that it was built on already but this land isn't it's the top of a sports field."
A Barnet Society spokesman expressed shock at the scheme which he descibed as a "new attack on the integrity of the Green Belt".
Speaking for the club, Victor Green said there was nothing concrete about proposals at the moment.
"There is no point in the club spending £50,000 on architects and planners until this is resolved," he said.
Bees' chairman Tony Kleanthous had promised a referendum on the club's future among supporters' club members, he added.
Editor's Choice
Mayor's festive fund is launched
WEYMOUTH and Portland mayor Tim Munro has launched his Christmas Fund for 2008.
'Missile kills UK terror suspect'
The Foreign Office is investigating reports that a British man suspected of masterminding the 2006 airline bomb plot has been killed in a US missile attack in Pakistan.
Belve’s big test
BELVEDERE player-boss Bobby Darch reckons his reigning Premiership champions are in for a “massive test” tomorrow when they take on the Rodwell at the Marsh (10.30am).
Kiwis claim World Cup glory
For the second time in three years, New Zealand turned the formbook upside down to pull off a stunning 34-20 victory over Australia.
Kilroy-Silk impresses jungle mates
Robert Kilroy-Silk earned respect among his fellow I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! competitors after enduring a work-out session involving bugs, rats and snakes.
Higher KA
AS one of its best selling models (more than 1.5 million in Europe) it seems incredible it has taken Ford 12 years to replace its distinctive Ka.
Soaking up the success at Dorset Business Awards
JUBILANT staff from the Portland Spa and Altogether Care have returned to work clutching Dorset Business Awards.
Precipitation preoccupation
AS a nation there are certain things that we like to believe about ourselves: a love of fair play and kindness to animals, to name but two.
In this section
- Diabetic Cassie takes her appeal to the top
- Mayor's festive fund is launched
- Vulnerable children ‘still at risk of abuse’
- New £50,000 cadet HQ at college opens
- Skatepark work under way at last
- Charity cash in celebs’ attics
- Relief road works set to start with diversion
- Train fares set to rise
- Pioneering op saved my life
- Vandals set fire to hall’s play equipment
Sponsored Links
Local Advertisers
Local Information
Enter your postcode, town or place name
